Question 202225
{{{(24 a^7)/(8 a^4) - (48 a^9)/(2 a^6)}}}
As is the case with any problem involving fractions (with or without variables), it is a good idea to see if a) the fractions will reduce; and b) the reduced fractions make the problem easier.
Reducing {{{(24 a^7)/(8 a^4) - (48 a^9)/(2 a^6)}}} we get:
{{{(24/8)*((a^7)/(a^4)) - (48/2)*((a^9)/(a^6))}}}
which, using the rule for exponents: {{{(a^x)/(a^y) = a^(x-y)}}}, simplifies to:
{{{3a^3 - 24a^3}}}
Not only have the fractions disappeared, the remaining expression is very simple to simplify further:
{{{-21a^3}}}